High-pressure balloons can be used to precisely position a device in a vessel or body cavity. This is a new market for specialty technologies. Elastomeric balloons are often used for positioning; however, high-pressure balloons are preferred when a precise shape or position is required. An elastomeric balloon can stretch and roll shifting back and forth, which is unacceptable in critical positioning applications. In addition, elastomeric balloons often inflate non-concentrically and unpredictably, which preclude their use in precision applications.
A balloon can be used to center a device such as radioactive seeds in a vessel to deliver radiation in hopes of preventing restenosis. Centering the device ensures symmetrical dosage around the wall. Some procedures concentrate on only one side of a vessel or cavity, such as directional arthrectomy, which cuts away plaque from vessel walls. The procedure uses a cutter that spins at high speed inside a housing. A balloon is mounted to the back of the housing and inflated, pushing the cutter against the wall of a vessel, allowing it to be debulked.
Another example is the treatment of BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia) or enlarged prostate gland. In this application, an offset balloon can be used to position a device off to the side, directly against a lobe of the gland, to deliver microwave or laser energy only where it is needed or conversely a standard balloon can be used to insure that the device remains centered.
High-pressure balloons are also used to position diagnostic devices in ultrasound imaging and other techniques that require locating them inside vessels or body cavities. Rather than having a complicated steering or positioning mechanism on the end of a catheter, a high-pressure balloon can be used to either center or offset the device, precisely positioning it as required.